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The first day of the World Juniors 2026 round robin play wrapped up on Friday night with a heavyweight match-up between two of the best hockey teams in the world.
Hockey Canada and Czechia took the ice at 3M Arena, home of the Minnesota Golden Gophers, in a rematch of the 2025 semifinals starting at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Top 2026 NHL draft eligible prospects to watch included Gavin McKenna and Keaton Verhoeff for the Canadians, joining the six returners from last year’s team.
Center Adam Novotný and Vladimír Dravecký on the blue line were at the top of FloHockey contributor Chris Peters’ draft eligible list representing Czechia.
Czechia ended Canada’s run in the last two WJC during the quarterfinals. Last year, Canada didn’t hold the lead once, but a goal by Porter Martone started a comeback late in the second that was finally secured by Bradly Nadeau with just four minutes left: 3-3.
St. Louis Blues prospect Adam Jecho scored the game-winning goal on the power play, devastating the hosts with just 40 seconds remaining before Czechia would eventually go on to secure their third medal in a row.
Canada hoped to turn around things around after missing a medal the past two tournaments. That journey started against Czechia.
View the game recap and scoring highlights from Czechia vs Canada on Friday, Dec. 26 below.
That’s a wrap on game one of the World Juniors preliminary round between Canada and Czechia. The start of Canada’s revenge tour has gone relatively well, surging past Czechia in the final moments of the third to secure a win that looked nearly out of reach throughout most of the game.
Zayne Parekh earned the Player of the Game award after his two goals.
Team Canada takes the W as Porter Martone (@MSU_Hockey) capitalizes on the empty net! #WorldJuniors
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Porter Martone scored the empty net goal within 7 seconds off the faceoff but his celebrations resulted in an unsportsmanlike penalty which put him in the penalty box and sent Czechia up a man.
Empty net for Czechia as they tried to tie it up in the final minute.
Czechia had a 3-on-2 going downhill. Cihar broke up Canada’s defense to create an opportunity for Galvas to easily put the puck in the net over George’s right pad and bring the score back within one.
Shots on goal:
Tomas Galvas cuts the lead by one! #WorldJuniors
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With just over eight minutes left in the third, Canadian captain Porter Martone was sent to the penalty box after a holding call to give Czechia a late breath of hope.
It was nearly two minutes straight of Czechia’s power play unit pressuring George and the Canadian penalty kill. Brunicke blocked a shot with his hand. 3 SOG during the attempt.
Although they weren’t able to score, Czechia has mounted a strong attack as they try to close the gap.
Unpicked through two NHL drafts, MacKenzie earned a huge goal to give Canada more breathing room than they’ve felt since the first period, a 6-4 lead with just over 10 minutes left.
Hage earned his third point on the night with another assist.
Ethan MacKenzie (@EdmOilKings) with the quick wrists🫣🫣🫣 2 goal lead for Canada! #WorldJuniors
pic.twitter.com/tLE7bagxHb
Michael Misa took the puck through the middle and into the Czechia zone before ejecting the puck out to Tij Iginla along the left wall. He walked it in before dragging and pulling the trigger to elevate the puck for Canada’s 5th goal of the game and keep the shootout going between these two teams.
Tij Iginla (@Kelowna_Rockets @utahmammoth) said hold up, lemme just grab Canada that lead again rq 😤 #WorldJuniors
pic.twitter.com/tftQCjwC9N
Galvas worked the puck around to find a seam pass and bounce it off the boards behind the net, as George reacted, Poletin was already there to scoop the puck into the net and tie things back up at 4.
You hear the sound of that??? That’s the sound of a TIE GAME AGAIN! Tomas Poletin (@Kelowna_Rockets) with the equalizer! #WorldJuniors
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Jiricek was called for a fist to Cootes’ face as the physicality picked up early in the third period—just like the second. Canada has a huge chance to take the lead with a man up to open the third.
Canada was 0-2 so far with an extra man, but Zayne Parekh secured a second in a row for the go-ahead goal during the power play. A beautiful handle and flick of the wrist near the right face-off dot launched the puck upwards and past Orsulak.
McKenna and Reschny on the assist.
Make that ✌️ on the night for Zayne Parekh @NHLFlames#WorldJuniors
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It’s been an incredible night of elite junior hockey between these two Goliaths. The final 20 minutes are underway as someone tries to take control and stride ahead tonight.
After 40 minutes of play, Czechia and Canada are all tied at three goals each. The second period surged and waned in intensity, starting out with both teams speeding around the ice, especially Canada as they were able to get their offensive presence established.
Despite the solid footing, Czechia was able to take advantage of Canada’s mistakes to not only catch up but also take the lead momentarily. Calgary Flames defender Zayne Parekh put that to an end, though, threading the puck through to the back of Czechia’s net for his first World Juniors goal— and breaking Canada’s scoring drought since the end of the first period.
Czechia continues to be a thorn in Canada’s foot as they try to regain the glory of years past with one of the best teams they’ve had in years.
This game has us on the edge of our seats 🫨 Zayne Parekh (@NHLFlames), that was a beauty. #WorldJuniors
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After playing all over the ice in the second period, Zayne Parekh finally found the net with a speedy release between three Czech defenders to score Canada’s third goal and tie things up in Minnesota.
Shots on goal:
In a defensive zone breakdown by Canada, Cihar found Petr Sikora with a beautiful tic-tac-toe play to get the puck past Carter George for the go-ahead goal.
Shots on goal:
WHAT A FINISH by Petr Sikora to give Czechia their first lead of the game over Canada! #WorldJuniors
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After what seemed like nearly two minutes straight of time spent in Czechia’s zone by Canada’s top lines, the arguable WJC favorites were still unable to find the back of the net and beat Orsulak to separate the score.
Matyas Man was called for hooking Michael Hage on what was almost a breakaway attempt for Gavin McKenna. Despite their top unit circling for the final 35 seconds of the power play, Canada was only able to get in one shot on goal.
A slash by Beaudoin onto Man allowed Czechia to pull their goalie during the delayed penalty and it allowed Vojtech Cihar to tip the puck in off of the Adam Benak delivery from the boards.
What a redirect from Vojtech Cihar to make this a tie game! @Kelowna_Rockets | @LAKings#WorldJuniors
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Hage took two massive hits entering Czechia’s zone—the reigning bronze medalists aren’t going to go down without a fight while Canada’s forwards try to work more speed into their zone entry.
And we’re off into the middle period of this heavyweight dual between Czechia and Canada at the 2026 World Juniors.
Check out FloHockey on Saturday, Dec. 27 to follow along with the latest World Juniors Championships coverage including on-site interviews, behind the scenes content, and live updates during every Team USA and Team Canada game.
To end the period, Iginla tried to elevate the puck with a shot from between his legs but Colorado Avalanche prospect Curran caught it in his hand and threw the puck out behind the net. The refs missed the call during the play, prompting Canada’s team to stay on the ice for a few minutes after the horn blew.
After a review, the refs determined it was not a goal and there was no penalty on the play, although the commentators debated that it could’ve been a penalty shot if it were called during play due to the defender closing his hand around the puck.
Shots on goal:
Montreal Canadiens first-round pick Michael Hage sniped Canada’s next goal, bouncing the puck off the post past Orsulak to retake the lead.
Shots on goal:
Sooo @umichhockey did you see that cuz like… WOW. Michael Hage knows how to serve em 😮💨#WorldJuniors
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The puck hit what looked like three different surfaces on its way into the back of the net as Czechia tied it up.
New York Islanders’ 4th round pick Tomas Poletin thrust his stick in the netfront position and after Adam Benak launched it towards the net.
Well folks, it’s all tied up! @Kelowna_Rockets Tomas Poletin says HELLOOO WJC with that tip😤😤 #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/76piGIChke
Michael Hage took the puck deep to give Brady Martin and Gavin McKenna all the space they needed in the offensive zone to rip the puck into the net on the high glove side and score Canada’s first goal of the 2026 WJC.
And the first tally goes to Canada’s Brady Martin (@OHLHoundPower @PredsNHL)! AN UNREAL SEQUENCE 🤌#WorldJuniors
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Canada’s top line in Iginla, Misa and Martone have clearly had the best looks, getting set up in Czechia’s end with relative ease as they still look to score their first goal of the 2026 WJC.
Carter George is off to a KILLER start 🔥 @AttackOHL are we surprised? Most definitely not. #WorldJuniors
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In some normal tussling behind the net, players bumped the pipes which knocked the crossbar into the back of Czechia goalie Michal Orsulak’s head which sent him to the ice. Refs blew the whistle to make sure he was okay—he continued play after a commercial break.
Shots on goal:
Play is stopped after Michal Orsulak is hit in the back of the head by his own crossbar. 😯
Orsulak remains in the game. #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/Ajs6aMehf6
Carter George didn’t have much time to warm up into the opening game with early breakaways by Czechia’s speedy attackers, withe Nestrasil nearly scoring after leaving the box.
Hage went the other direction but was unable to find the back of the net.
Shots on goal:
A beautiful toe drag from Michael Hage, but we are somehow still looking for the first goal of this game. #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/VWtyVzi1vy
Fans got their first look at the Canadian power play after Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Sam O’Reilly drew a hooking on Vaclav Nestrasil to go on the man advantage.
They were able to set up but couldn’t get the puck through for a shot on goal. Czechia put up a good showing, earning their own two shots on goal during the shorthanded period.
We’ll know the answer to that in less than three hours.
Things are about to get started in Minneapolis, MN between the best under-20 hockey players from Canada and Czechia as they converge in preliminary round competition.
Carter George starts in the net for Canada with Michal Orsulak starting for the Czechs.
Gavin McKenna, Ivar Stenberg and more: Chris Peters shared his top draft prospects to watch at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. Read the full write-up here.
A few players he listed from tonight’s game:
Here’s what Chris had to say about Carson Carels:
“Is he the fastest rising prospect in the draft? Yep. Carson Carels finished his pre-tournament by playing in Canada’s top four. A steady, reliable two-way defenseman who can skate and play physically, Carels is viewed as the kind of player that can be on an NHL blueline in the near future and for a very long time. If he manages to establish himself up Canada’s lineup, the buzz will grow.”
Canada plays Czechia starting at 8:30 p.m. ET on Friday, December 26. Follow along here for live updates and to watch highlights.
Chris and Cam make their 2026 WJC Top Goalie predictions!
Full WJC Preview: https://t.co/BIaMfgFgKP@eliteprospects | @MNSportsEvents#CalledUp #CalledUpPodcast #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/vAa1utlLG4
Here’s the official line-up.
Vaclav Nestrasil (CHI) – Vojtech Cihar (LAK) – Petr Sikora (WSH)
Maxmilian Curran (COL) – Adam Benak (MIN) – Tomas Poletin (NYI)
Jiri Klima – Adam Novotny (2026) – Stepan Hoch (UTA)
Matej Kubiesa – Richard Zemlicka – Adam Titlbach
Adam Jiricek (STL) – Jakub Fibigr (SEA)
Max Psenicka (UTA) – Tomas Galvas
Matyas Man – Vladimir Dravecky (2026)
Matyas Marik
Michal Orsulak
Here’s the official line-up.
Tij Iginla (UTA) – Michael Misa (SJS) – Porter Martone (PHI)
Gavin McKenna (2026) – Michael Hage (MTL) – Brady Martin (NSH)
Cole Reschny (CGY) – Cole Beaudoin (UTA) – Jett Luchanko (PHI)
Liam Greentree (LAK) – Braeden Cootes (VAN) – Sam O’Reilly (TBL)
Caleb Desnoyers (UTA)
Cameron Reid (NSH) – Zayne Parekh (CGY)
Carson Carels (2026) – Harrison Brunicke (PIT)
Kashawn Aitcheson (NYI) – Ben Danford (TOR)
Ethan MacKenzie
Carter George (LAK)
Jack Ivankovic (NSH)
Canada’s projected power-play units (via TSN’s Mark Masters)
Brady Martin, Michael Hage, Cole Reschny, Gavin McKenna, Zayne Parekh
Porter Martone, Jett Luchanko, Michael Misa, Tij Iginla, Harrison Brunicke
It’s been an exciting first day of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN. Here are the scores so far:
The United States hosts Germany in Saint Paul, Minn., in its opening preliminary-round game of the 2026 World Juniors.
FloHockey contributor Amelia Engstrom is providing live updates throughout the game.
Cole ➡️ Cole ➡️ Goal 🚨
Cole Hutson (WSH) and Cole Eiserman (NYI) have done this a few times before. @TerrierHockey and @USAHockeyNTDP can vouch. USA up 6-3.#WorldJuniorspic.twitter.com/S5jGCyEmKi
All games during 2026 World Juniors tournament will be broadcast live on the NHL Network for viewers in the US.
The network will air live game telecasts of the World Junior Championships plus analysis, highlights, and interviews about the tournament.
If you live in Canada, you can watch each game on TSN.
You can also follow along on FloHockey for the latest news throughout the tournament.
Ivar Stenberg broke out against Slovakia to score the third and final goal and take the lead over Slovakia in the third period with a five-hole slip past Alan Lendak.
Sweden’s power play was rock solid across the second and third period but it was Slovakia who surged back late in the game to tie it up in the World Juniors opener on Friday, Dec. 26.
As one of the potential No. 1 NHL draft picks in 2026 competing with Gavin McKenna, Ivar Stenberg already had a lot of attention going his way and this will only add to the excitement.
WHAT A TUCK! 🔥
Ivar Stenberg with the CLUTCH go-ahead goal with just a few minutes to go in the game! #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/oZkvvupjFJ
Anton Frondell (CHI) is not feeling any pressure even though Sweden has “everything to win here” at the 2026 World Juniors 👀
(also, math is hard, we get it)@Djurgardens_IF | @NHLBlackhawks #WorldJuniors #WJC #TeamSweden #TreKronor #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/MvoC9VESjm
View the full schedule below for the Group Stage and playoff rounds of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship in Minnesota. FloHockey will provide free live updates for each USA and Canada game including analysis, scoring summaries, and highlights.
Here’s who won the Gold at the IIHF World Junior Championship since 2000.
View the list of teams, by group, for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship.
FloHockey will be on site for complete coverage of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship in St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota. You can expect game-by-game coverage of both Team USA and Team Canada from FloHockey’s experts, interviews with key players and coaches and much more. Follow FloHockey’s WJC coverage here.
The best, and most complete, coverage of the NHL minor league hockey and NHL Draft is found on FloHockey. Don’t miss the latest new prospect guides, rankings and more from Chris Peters and the FloHockey staff.
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